Reminder about Student Civil Rights

Minnesota Educators and School Leaders:   

Thank you for serving your school communities in the face of ambiguity brought on by recent federal executive actions. As teachers and school leaders, we are called to navigate these changes while keeping our sights set on what matters most: ensuring every child—of every background, zip code, and ability—has the opportunity to access a world-class education.  

In Minnesota, we know safe and supportive learning environments are the essential foundation of academic success. With that in mind, I’m sharing more information about longstanding Minnesota laws that require our educational institutions to ensure students can attend school free from discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other identities. Please consider these as you work to ensure every student has access to the education they deserve: 

• The Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA) protects students’ rights to be free from discrimination, requiring schools to protect students against bullying, harassment, discrimination, and assault.   

• The Minnesota Safe and Supportive Schools Act (Minnesota Statutes, section 121A.031) provides educators, parents, and youth with the tools and resources they need to prevent bullying and harassment. The law not only provides increased protections against bullying by requiring school staff to stop, intervene, and investigate all reports of bullying, but also places an emphasis on prevention by explicitly requiring efforts to improve school climate and social emotional learning.  

• Minnesota’s Model Bullying Prohibition Policy outlines schools’ and districts’ obligations and provides guidance for preventing and prohibiting bullying in schools in accordance with the Safe and Supportive Schools Act. 

As always, MDE offers supplemental resources and references that may be useful, including the MDE School Safety Technical Assistance Center, the MDE Student Maltreatment Program, and a Toolkit for Ensuring Safe and Supportive Schools for Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students (2017). 

As I mentioned in my letter to Minnesota educators and families earlier this month, MDE will continue advocating for the stability, resources, and policies schools need to ensure every student has the opportunity to live, learn, and play as their authentic selves. 

Thank you for your continued partnership in shaping a future where every student can reach their fullest potential. 

Commissioner Willie Jett
Minnesota Department of Education